Name: Visitation for Bernard E. COLONNA
Start: 2016-12-18T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-19T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

COLONNA, Bernard (Bernie) E. 67, of Tucson, AZ, passed away after an extended illness on December 10, 2016. Bernie was born in Erie, PA on February 17, 1949 to Clement and Jilda Colonna. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Holly (Krahe) and sons, Bernie, Richard and Nicholas all of Tucson, AZ. He also leaves two sisters, Joyce (Bern) Punt and Tina Colonna of Florida and a large extended family. Bernie attended McDowell High School in Erie, went to college in Michigan on a football scholarship and transferred to Slippery Rock University where he earned his degree. Bernie and Holly moved to Tucson, AZ in 1979 where they married, raised their three sons and enjoyed the sunny southwest. Over the years Bernie worked in education, utilities and coaching. He volunteered as Little League coach, Boy Scout leader and in any activity in which the boys were involved. Bernie's most precious times where those spent with his family. He was so very proud of his sons and instilled in them his passion for sports, hard work and especially golf. Bernie lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all. Visitation and Services will be on Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Catholic Funeral Service will begin at 4:00 p.m.) at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson, AZ. In honor of Bernie, please make sure to be an organ donor. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association or charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard COLONNA

35 Entries

Valerie Golembiewski

Earlier today

Ted has now joined you in heaven...may you both rest in peace.
Valerie Golembiewski

Ted & Valerie Golembiewski

December 13, 2023

Still in our hearts and prayers...
Ted & Valerie Golembiewski

Ted & Valerie Golembiewski

December 12, 2021

He is still missed, remembered, and loved. Rest in peace, dear Bernie.
Ted & Valerie Golembiewski

McDowell Wrestling 1967

Terry Smith

November 3, 2017

Bernie, and I meet in grade school, at Our Lady of Peace, Went to McDowell together, and shared good times through football. I enjoyed watching him wrestle, and knew he would grow up and be involved in sports for a long time. Bless you Bernie for sharing time with me.

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randy phelps

January 19, 2017

holly and family, sorry to hear of Bernies passing....he will be missed....

Doug Fabian

December 25, 2016

Just heard from friend, Mike Ford, that Bernie passed earlier in the week. In high school and on the football team Bernie had a personality never to be forgotten. He ran and blocked in a way that ensured wins. Above all, he was team player! My best to his wife and children. Doug Fabian

Karen Nuber

December 22, 2016

Holly, our sympathies on Bernie's Passing. Karen & Gary Nuber

Donna Goble

December 22, 2016

Dear Holly and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Fritz Engel

December 21, 2016

Holly- was saddened to hear about Bernie's passing. He is oft times mentioned when I get with my brothers and we talk about McDowell wrestling (165lb) and football (#33) "back in the day". What a tremendous athlete and even better person he was.
I spoke with my brother Bill today and he shared a story of his first trip up to Kelly's in NY and it was with Bernie.
On behalf of all the Engels our condolences to you and the boys and please pass along a warm hello to Sue and Linda.

December 20, 2016

Rest in peace Bernie Sad to hear a great friend has passed.My utmost sympathy to Holly and his family. There will be no other like Bernie. His good friend Bob Glecos

Jim & Carol Johnson

December 20, 2016

To Holly, Bernie, Richard & Nick, Our sincere condolences to you and the boys. It was great to finally meet all of you on your trip to Florida. Cherish the memories.

Karen Bynum

December 20, 2016

Holly and family,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

December 20, 2016

Sorry to see that Bernie passed away. Had some fun times when his aunt Thelma had the castaways resturarant in Erie, Pa.
Tom Kownacki
Nephew of Clara Mazza

Mike Ford

December 19, 2016

Holly and Family,
I go back to grade school with Bernie, and my father and his were close as well. Spent a lot of my youth with Bernie, and was proud and grateful to have him and call him my friend. Great athlete and even better person. My condolences.

Salpointe Catholic High School

December 19, 2016

The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Colonna family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.

December 19, 2016

Rest in peace old friend .God bless you Holly and sons. Frank Lackovic

Amelia Farbo Perino

December 18, 2016

Holly and Family, You have my deepest sympathy. Thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.

Jeff Davis

December 18, 2016

Burny was my friend. He thankfully looked after me on and off the field. His love of life and is never say die attitude made him someone you love to be around and could always count on him in times of trouble. He was a huge part of my football career and he will live with me forever.

Mark and Nancy Reiser

December 18, 2016

Holly and sons, we share your pain during this most difficult time. Countless friends mourn your loss. RIP Brother Bernie.
The Reisers

December 18, 2016

Dear Holly, Bernie, Richard, and Nicholas, I read with deep regret of Bernie's passing. I shall always remember his bright smile, cheerful approach to life, and sincere interest in those around him. He is one of my many happy memories of that time.
Please accept our sincere sympathy and sorrow for your loss.

Jean and Frank Hansen

Rick Waters

December 18, 2016

Rest in Peace my old friend. God Bless you and your family.

December 18, 2016

Our prayers and sympathy are with you. This has been a rough year for you, Holly and your sons. God be with you and comfort you. Joan and Ed McCormick

Phyllis Ensani

December 18, 2016

To the Colonna Family,

We are sending all our LOVE, SYMPATHY & PRAYERS
To your family , and the extended Colonna family,
May God watch over you & give you strength at
This very sad time.

December 18, 2016

Holly and Boys,
Bernie and I grew up together. Played a lot football and goofed off a lot. I mostly liked to watch him wrestle in high school. We called him "Clipper" he was the best. Our Senior year Coach Moore called him Mr. Inside. He was one of a kind. My heart felt sympathies.
Dale Bohman Erie

Tom Fuhrman

December 18, 2016

Great guy, great friend, great fun, great memories.

Ray Diaz

December 18, 2016

Holly and family,I am so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. I have good memories of Bernie.Bernie worked on my crew for the gas company and I am proud to say I asked for 100% from Bernie and he gave me 110%. I will always remember his great sense of humor and wonderful smile.Rest in peace my friend.......Ray

Itch penman

December 18, 2016

Holly, It was great fun to have known Bernie. A good friend and teammate he could always make you laugh. He was a gem.

Jackie Lupo-Boetger

December 18, 2016

Dear Holly and family, So very sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of both the Colonna and Krahe families. God Bless.

Phil Farbo

December 18, 2016

Dear Holly so sorry for you and your families loss,you have our deepest sympathies

Pat DiVecchio

December 18, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Great memories of Bernie from way back at Our Lady of Peace. May he rest is peace.

Nic and Judy Hiner

December 18, 2016

Holly--So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. We have such good memories of our days together at St. Joe's and in Scouts. Prayers and sympathy for you and the boys--we are thinking of you.

Pat DiVecchio

December 18, 2016

Condolences to Holly and their 3 sons. Bernie was my best friend in grade school and we remained close until his move to Arizona. I've thought of him so many times over the years and have enjoyed reminiscing the great times we shared. I'm sorry we lost touch....RIP by friend...I will still think of you fondly and tell our stories.

Valerie & Ted Golembiewski

December 18, 2016

Dear Holly,
So sorry for your loss...May God comfort you and may Bernie rest in peace.

Pat Benson Ken Merz

December 18, 2016

Our heartfelt sympathies to Bernie's family on his passing. We thought of our old friend and McDowell classmate often through the years. He is remembered with deep affection and respect . Peace and love to you all.

December 18, 2016

Holly and sons, please note our thoughts and prayers. It has been many years since we saw you all, the last time the boys were still younger at our old house. It was a special night meeting your family. Bernies legacy will live on through them. I remember when Bernie junior came to say hello when visiting girlfriend nearby, thought it was big Bernie at the door.
Bernie lived life to the fullest to say the least. A heart of gold. The stories the ' boys' here are recalling would make you laugh. Take care and know many are taking of you all from here in Edinboro, PA.
Harry and Diane Rafle

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